Join experienced birder and Park Volunteer Tom Locascio—a proud member of the Audubon Society and Sun City Birding Club—for a guided bird walk through Estrella Mountain Regional Park. After the walk, gather in the Nature Center classroom for an engaging presentation on the park’s feathered residents, from desert dwellers to seasonal visitors. Please wear protective clothing...
Ranger Shaun isn’t the best of the birders among the Rangers, but he enjoys it and that’s worth something! He hopes you’ll come join him for a crash course in...
Enjoy a guided plant hike along one of our trails to see all the beauty the desert plants have to offer. We will be along a portion of the San...
Learn about how planting seeds and caring for plants can teach us about caring for ourselves and give us hope for the future. Are we just bipedal houseplants with complicated...
Looking to get out on the water, but don’t want to do it alone? Just want to spend some quality paddle time on the lake? We’ve got just the thing!...
Breakfast with the Animals"" includes a light breakfast in front of the spotlight animal, a special animal feeding and keeper talk, and an animal activity for the kids. It's the best way to learn more and feel closer to your favorite sanctuary resident(s)! Breakfast runs from 9:00am to 10:30am on Saturday mornings. After breakfast, you're...
Experience the opportunity of a lifetime with our Capybara Encounter! Come meet Chewy or BB and their care team at Shipwreck Cove. This encounter will give you the opportunity to feed our capybaras and learn from their care team about what it takes to care for such unique animals. Feel the texture of their fur...
Experience the best dressed encounter opportunity at Wildlife World Zoo! Meet one of our endangered African Penguins and their trainers in the Wild and Wonderful aquarium building in front of...
September is Parks for Pollinators month and we are celebrating here at the Riparian Preserve! Join us for this one-day workshop focused on the critters that pollinate the plants of the Southwest. You will play fun games, do crafts, make a visit to our pollinator demonstration garden, and even take home a plant for your...
This workshop guides you through a selection of hydrosols, flower essences, and essential oils chosen for seasonal comfort and support. You’ll learn a variety of applications like cleansing a room...
Have you ever wondered about the tortoises that live in the Sonoran Desert and how they survive the heat? Visit our indoor Nature Center anytime between 10:00am-12:00pm to learn more about how they protect themselves, what they eat, and what it is like living in a burrow. If we are lucky, our two resident tortoises...
Have you ever wanted to meet one of our Sea Lions up close and personal? Join us for a WILD encounter at Wildlife World Zoo! Learn what it takes to care for our amazing marine mammals, and see what goes in to training them. You will be able to get an individual or group photo,...
Have you ever wanted to meet a sloth? Come meet Luna and her care team. This encounter will give you the opportunity to feed Luna and learn from her care...
What makes a tree the BEST choice for your landscape? Consider what you want in a tree. Lifespan, shade, form, evergreen, flower...all characteristics to consider when choosing that perfect desert landscape tree. We will tell you about many under-appreciated gems, and how to choose, plant and care for that special tree. This is an in-person...
This event is FREE. No RSVP necessary. Sunsets at Mission Garden can be magical. In the hot summer season, you’re invited to enjoy the evening sunset glow and cooler temperatures...
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy walk to search for bark, striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions. We will also be on the lookout for other nocturnal critters such as bats, owls, tarantulas, kangaroo rats, stink bugs and more, so bring your UV blacklight and a regular flashlight. The route uses NoSo and Blevins...